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Lessons We Learned The Hard Way (So You Don’t Have To)

πŸ“… January 2, 2026 ⏱️ 1:18:59 🎀 Jered Williams, Eddie Barkhurst

Chapters

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  • 0:00
    Introduction & Sponsor
    Jared Williams introduces the topic of hard-learned lessons and highlights their podcast sponsor, Plumline Answering Service.
  • 4:39
    From Security to Plumbing
    Eddie shares his career trajectory from armed security guard to plumbing, initially reluctant to work for his father-in-law.
  • 17:15
    Self-Taught Technician
    Eddie describes his self-driven learning approach, relying on books and hands-on experience to become a proficient technician.
  • 28:39
    The GM Offer
    Jared recounts how he recruited Eddie to be his General Manager at Prospector, initially as a technician, detailing the challenges and Eddie's initial hesitation.
  • 46:36
    GM Role Confusion & Panic
    Eddie expresses his initial panic and lack of confidence in the GM role, feeling lost and contemplating returning to his old job.
  • 58:48
    Finding His Footing
    Eddie explains how he overcame his initial struggles as GM by researching, supporting technicians, and eventually thriving during Jared's absence.
  • 1:16:38
    Jared's Early Life & Career
    Jared shares his personal journey, including early fatherhood, unconventional high school graduation, and his entry into the plumbing trade through the union.
  • 1:31:31
    Quitting & Starting Prospector
    Jared details his disillusionment with working for others, quitting his job, and impulsively starting Prospector.
  • 1:46:48
    Remote Management & Growth
    Jared discusses the challenges and eventual success of managing Prospector remotely, highlighting the importance of data and communication.
  • 2:02:08
    Mindset Shift & Advice
    Both Jared and Eddie reflect on the necessary mindset shifts from technician to business owner and offer advice on overcoming limiting beliefs and embracing action.

Speakers

J
Jered Williams
Host
E
Eddie Barkhurst

Key Takeaways

✦

Embrace continuous self-education: Like Eddie, actively seek out knowledge and resources (books, online, mentors) to grow your skills beyond formal training. Don't wait to be taught; learn proactively.

✦

Don't be afraid to pivot your career: Jared and Eddie both made significant career changes that led to greater opportunities. Recognize when a role or industry is no longer serving you and be open to new paths.

✦

Overcome imposter syndrome by doing: When faced with a new, challenging role (like Eddie becoming GM), the best way to build confidence and learn is to dive in, make mistakes, and actively seek solutions.

✦

Delegate and trust your team: Jared learned the importance of hiring capable people and then stepping back to let them do their work, even if it means allowing for mistakes. This fosters growth and efficiency.

✦

Focus on data for informed decisions: When managing remotely, rely heavily on numbers and data (P&L, Service Titan metrics) to understand business performance and make strategic choices, rather than just 'feeling' what's happening.

✦

Be willing to change your mindset: Transitioning from a hands-on technician to a business owner requires a significant shift in thinking, including overcoming limiting beliefs about money, delegation, and management.

✦

Prioritize communication and clear expectations: As Eddie and Jared discovered, clear communication about roles and responsibilities, especially during transitions, is crucial to avoid confusion and panic within the team.

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